Understanding the Risks of Buying Tuna from Costco
While shopping at Costco offers convenience and bulk savings, recent events have highlighted the importance of scrutinizing food products, particularly seafood. The primary safety concerns surrounding tuna from Costco include potential bacterial contamination, the risk of botulism from manufacturing defects, and the perennial issue of mercury content. Recent recalls, such as the September 2025 incident involving Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke due to Listeria, and a prior canned tuna recall related to botulism risk, illustrate that no retailer is immune to food safety challenges.
Canned Tuna: What to Know
Costco carries both its own Kirkland Signature canned tuna and third-party brands like Safe Catch. These two options represent a significant difference in safety assurance, particularly concerning mercury levels.
- Safe Catch Tuna: This brand is explicitly marketed as rigorously tested for mercury. Safe Catch claims to test every single tuna for mercury levels, adhering to a limit 10 times stricter than the FDA's requirement. This makes it a preferred option for pregnant women, children, and those with health concerns about mercury accumulation.
- Kirkland Signature Tuna: While Costco's house brand must meet federal regulations, it does not offer the same level of mercury testing transparency as Safe Catch. Historically, tuna sourcing has been a point of legal contention for Kirkland products, with a past class-action lawsuit questioning the 'dolphin safe' claims on its Albacore tuna.
Fresh and Prepared Tuna: The Listeria Risk
Fresh tuna sold in Costco's deli section, especially in prepared formats like poke, has a higher risk profile for bacterial contamination. The September 2025 recall of Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke was linked to Listeria found in green onions used in the recipe, not the tuna itself. This highlights a critical food safety vulnerability: cross-contamination from other ingredients or the processing environment. Shoppers must be vigilant about checking for recall notices, as these products are more perishable than their canned counterparts.
The Mercury Factor: A Continuous Concern
Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that accumulates in fish. Larger, longer-living fish like tuna tend to have higher levels. While Costco and its suppliers must meet FDA standards, concerns about varying mercury concentrations persist. Organizations like Oceana have long pressured major retailers, including Costco, to post FDA fish consumption advisories to inform consumers, particularly vulnerable groups, about potential mercury exposure.
Costco's Broader Food Safety Commitments
Costco requires its suppliers to adhere to strict safety standards, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) programs, allergen controls, and robust traceability systems. However, as recent recalls demonstrate, these systems are not foolproof. When a recall occurs, Costco acts swiftly to remove the product from shelves and offers refunds to affected customers. Transparency on sourcing, particularly for mercury testing beyond federal minimums, remains an area for improvement for private-label products like Kirkland Signature.
Canned vs. Fresh Tuna Safety Comparison
| Feature | Canned Tuna (Safe Catch) | Canned Tuna (Kirkland/Other) | Fresh Tuna/Poke (Deli) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Risk | Very Low (Every batch tested) | Low (Meets FDA standards, but no individual testing) | Varies by source, not individually tested |
| Botulism Risk | Minimal (Standard canning process) | Low (Manufacturing defects are rare but can occur) | Very low (Not a risk for fresh, non-preserved product) |
| Listeria Risk | Minimal (Hermetically sealed) | Minimal (Hermetically sealed) | High (Vulnerable to cross-contamination) |
| Recalls | Infrequent | Infrequent (Often related to manufacturing) | Frequent (More perishable and complex ingredients) |
| Cost | Higher price point | Lower price point | Varies widely |
What to Do If You've Purchased Recalled Tuna
If you find yourself with a recalled product, do not consume it. Follow these steps immediately:
- Check the Specifics: Verify if the product in your possession matches the recalled item number, sell-by date, and packaging details.
- Dispose or Return: Throw the product away or return it to your local Costco for a full refund.
- Monitor Your Health: Be aware of symptoms associated with foodborne illnesses like Listeria, which can include fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea, with potentially delayed onset. If you are in a high-risk group (pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised), contact a healthcare provider for advice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the safety of tuna from Costco depends on the specific product. For those most concerned about mercury, brands like Safe Catch offer a tested, low-mercury option with premium pricing. For budget-conscious shoppers, Kirkland Signature canned tuna is generally safe, provided there are no active recalls. However, shoppers must exercise increased caution with fresh or prepared deli products, which are more susceptible to bacterial contamination. Checking for recent recall alerts before purchase is a prudent step for any consumer. Costco’s commitment to supplier requirements and rapid response to recalls is commendable, but the responsibility to stay informed ultimately rests with the consumer. For up-to-date recall information, refer to the official FDA website, which aggregates recall alerts from manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costco Tuna Safety
Q: Has Costco ever recalled tuna before the September 2025 incident? A: Yes. Costco and its suppliers have issued recalls for tuna on several occasions. For instance, in February 2025, canned tuna sold at Costco and other retailers was recalled due to a botulism risk from a manufacturing defect.
Q: Is Safe Catch tuna from Costco really safer than other brands? A: According to the manufacturer, Safe Catch tests every single fish for mercury, with levels up to 10 times lower than the FDA action limit, and is recommended by the American Pregnancy Association, making it a very low-mercury option.
Q: How can I check for current recalls on Costco tuna? A: You can check for official recall information on the FDA's website, which provides timely updates on recalled food products. Additionally, Costco posts recall notices in its stores and on its website.
Q: What is the risk of mercury in canned tuna from Costco? A: The risk varies by tuna type. Albacore (white) tuna generally has higher mercury levels than light tuna. While Costco's tuna meets FDA standards, individual cans can have varying levels. Safe Catch offers a guaranteed low-mercury option.
Q: Why was the tuna poke recalled, and was the tuna itself bad? A: The September 2025 recall of Kirkland Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke was due to Listeria contamination originating from the green onions used in the product, not the tuna fillet itself. This is an example of cross-contamination from other ingredients.
Q: What are the symptoms of Listeria infection from recalled tuna? A: Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. They can appear up to 70 days after exposure. It poses a higher risk for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Q: Is Kirkland Signature Albacore tuna sustainably sourced? A: Costco claims commitment to sustainable sourcing, but a 2022 class-action lawsuit challenged the 'dolphin safe' label on its Albacore tuna. While it is a participant in organizations like the ISSF, the transparency of its practices for private-label brands has faced scrutiny.
